Debunking the stigma around female incontinence

Posted by Blooms The Chemist on 26 Sep 2025

Debunking the stigma around female incontinence


One in three women experience light bladder leakage, yet there’s a certain level of stigma associated with the condition [1]. This is partly due to the lack of education and understanding around female incontinence. 

To reduce the stigma, open dialogue needs to be encouraged. This could be as simple as sharing easy tips and tricks on managing leaks to starting conversations with friends and sharing experiences. 

Given the stats, it’s likely a lot of people will have a story to tell.

What is female incontinence?

 
 
Female incontinence can affect women of all ages, including young adults and children. For many women, incontinence can mean losing a few drops of urine during everyday moments like sneezing or running, to more regular liquid leakage [1]. Factors like pregnancy or giving birth, taking certain medications, menopause, and urinary tract infections can cause bladder leakage. 
 
There are three standard types of female incontinence; Stress (pressure on your internal organs when you cough, sneeze, or laugh), Urge (being unable to hold on for more than a few minutes when you need to urinate), and Overflow (leakage without warning or an urge to urinate [1]. 
 
Understanding which type of incontinence you’re experiencing can be an important first step in addressing the issue.

How can I manage incontinence during everyday life?

Poise has a range of products specifically designed to help manage leakage, from thin liners to discreet pads.  

Poise Pads Overnight offer protection for regularly occurring light bladder leakage. They hold up to two cups of liquid, and are four times more absorbent than standard night-time period pads. The pads are specifically designed to conform to your body, even during the natural movement that can occur while sleeping [2].  

Other popular products include the Poise Liners, created to help women control and manage light bladder leakage throughout the day. These are more absorbent than standard period liners, emphasising comfort and security when dealing with leakage [2]. 

Female incontinence is actually treatable, and can be improved through pelvic floor exercises and bladder training [1]. 

If you’re finding it difficult to manage your symptoms or need more information, go and speak to your local Blooms The Chemist Pharmacist or a GP. 


References:

  1. Poise - Female Incontinence. Available at: https://www.poise.com.au/female-incontinence/incontinence. Accessed September 2025. 
  2. Poise - Products. Available at https://www.poise.com.au/products/why-poise. Accessed September 2025.